Metz vs Lens Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 French Ligue 1
THE FACTS
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
When is Metz vs Lens on and what time does it start? Metz vs Lens will take place on Friday 12th April, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Metz vs Lens? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Metz vs Lens on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to Ligue 1 matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Metz vs Lens
Where can I stream Metz vs Lens in the UK? If Metz vs Lens is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
METZ
Following their promotion to the top-flight last season, Metz have enjoyed a generally impressive campaign as they head into the Ligue 1 run in very much still just about competitive in the relegation battle. They begin the weekend’s round of fixtures sitting just three points below the relegation playoff places.
The home team come into this one on the back of a thrilling encounter with high flying Stade Brest last weekend. Metz took an early lead in that match before eventually falling to 4-1 down mid-way through the second-half but a late Georges Mikautadze brace gave Metz hope before losing to a 4-3 loss.
LENS
After a really slow start to the season, Lens have more or less been one of the very best teams in France since late-September. Franck Haise’s northerners have, though, returned from the March international break with some underwhelming performances as they drift away from the top three and the UEFA Champions League spots.
Their most recent outing saw them pegged back to a 1-1 draw by struggling Le Havre at Stade Bollaert-Delelis last weekend with Emmanuel Sabbi scoring a 78th minute penalty to cancel out Lens’ 58th minute opener via Przemyslaw Frankowski. That means they are now winless in their last three Ligue 1 matches.
THE TEAM NEWS
METZ
Metz have three injury concerns for this weekend’s visit of Lens as Christophe Herelle is unavailable alongside attacking duo Joel Asoro and Benjamin Tetteh.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Oukidja; Kouao, Traore, Cande, Udol; Camara, Jacques, Atta; Jallow, Mikautadze, Lamkel Ze
UNAVAILABLE: Herelle (Injured), Asoro (Injured), Tetteh (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
LENS
Lens have only one injury concern for this weekend as Jimmy Cabot is unavailable but they will be able to name an unchanged eleven for this one.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-1-2): Samba; Gradit, Danso, Medina; Aguilar, Abdul Samed, Diouf, Frankowski; Costa; Sotoca, Wahi
UNAVAILABLE: Cabot (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Metz’ last two matches have consisted of 14 goals and their 28 matches have consisted of 76 goals in total. That is because Laszlo Boloni has slightly unlocked a more attacking style of football led by Georgian international forward Georges Mikautadze. Lens are a naturally proactive team with several impressive attacking players, such as Florian Sotoca and Elye Wahi. Lens are the firm favourites for this one but it could end up being quite an entertaining encounter for the neutral, too.
TIP: LENS TO WIN & OVER 2.5 GOALS
